Colombia's Medellin - the future of metropolitan living

South America city leads the way in urban renovation

Published 5:32 pm, Friday, August 1, 2014

In the 1990s, who would have thought that a city renowned for drug trafficking and lawlessness could become one of the most innovative and burgeoning metropolises in the world?

Today, Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city and its industrial capital, is a microcosm of the remarkable transformation that has taken place all over Colombia. Named the 2013 "Innovative City of the Year" by Citi, the Urban Institute and The Wall Street Journal, Medellín now represents the future of metropolitan living - a shining example of how urban design can advance social cohesion and sustainable development.

Medellín's rise is evidence of what we call the "New Colombia," the manifestation of change that has swept over Colombia - from enormous gains in security to growth that has made us the third-largest economy in South America, with nearly 50 million consumers and GDP growth of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of this year alone.

For more than two decades, much of Colombia went through what can most simply be described as difficult times. It was on the brink of becoming a failed state. Drug cartels and criminal networks had a stronghold. Crime and violence were far too common occurrences, and an entire generation of Colombians experienced a nation that seemed destined to repeat cycles of destruction and demoralization. But, always shining as a beacon of light throughout these times was the resilience of the Colombian people and the strength of our democracy - the oldest in Latin America.

Through a series of widespread economic, political and social reforms and key U.S. cooperation and aid, the foundations of democracy and the free-market economy, on which our nation was built, were restored and strengthened. There was no one secret weapon that led to Colombia's success; it took a concerted effort of our government, our military and police forces, our chief ally to the North - the United States - and the will and resolve of the people to reject what was nearly sealing our fate. We turned the tide on a long-running terrorist insurgency, made great strides in restoring security and stability, strengthened democratic institutions and created opportunity for our citizens by reducing inequality and fostering a more inclusive society.

Colombia has come a long way, and we are well on our way on the path to lasting peace and prosperity. That is why President Juan Manuel Santos, who will be inaugurated into his second term on Thursday, launched peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC by its Spanish acronym, so early in his first term. This decades-long conflict no longer has a place in Colombia. The peace talks are ongoing and challenges remain, but so does the opportunity to achieve lasting peace. That achievement will consolidate the many gains we have made over the past two decades and will help to build on what defines the "New Colombia."

Today, Colombia is home to a rising middle class with economic mobility, GDP growth of close to 5 percent on average over the past four years and long-term prospects for strong and sustained growth. Colombia is soon to become a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and, along with Chile, Mexico and Peru, we have formed an integrated market of 210 million consumers and GDP of nearly $2 trillion. Leading international companies such as Starbucks, Scotiabank, Google, Facebook, Hewlett Packard, JW Marriott, Gap and many more are investing in Colombia.

What's more, over the past decade we have increased the quality of life for Colombians by decreasing poverty and increasing investment in education and universal health coverage. Over the past three years, we have created nearly 2.5 million jobs and raised the minimum wage, reducing economic inequality.

Our city skylines, from Bogotá to Medellín, rival the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, from New York City to Houston. Medellín is now leading the way in urban innovation with its thriving sustainable environment, an entrepreneurial ecosystem ripe for worldwide talent and an increasingly attractive business environment for foreign investment. The story of Medellín is undoubtedly emblematic of Colombia's rise, and today, the global community is taking notice.

Villegas, Colombia's ambassador to the United States, is a member of the Colombian government's negotiating team in the peace talks with FARC. He was for 17 years the head of Colombia's largest business association and also played a key role in advocating for the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.